THE SNAKE ISLAND-EXPLORE THE DEATH

Season 3, Chapter 5: The Test of Trust

The tension in the room was palpable as Divyans, Lakhan and Roshni sat quietly, pondering their next move. The stakes were already high enough, and now they were faced with another dilemma: could they really trust Vikram Aiyar? The man had offered his resources and assistance, but they barely knew him. And in a world where betrayal could come from anywhere, they had to be sure.

Lakhan paced back and forth, his face set with determination. "I don't like the idea of splitting up, and I definitely don't like the idea of trusting a stranger with our lives. We need to make sure Vikram is who he says he is."

Divyans, seated at the table with the ancient map before him, looked thoughtful. "We don't have much of a choice, Lakhan. Time isn't on our side. But I agree, we need to know if we can rely on him."

Roshni leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "How do you propose we test him, Lakhan? He seems pretty legit—knows a lot about the cults, and he does have the resources we need."

Lakhan stopped pacing and turned to his friends. "We test him. I've got an idea. We'll tell Vikram a fake location—somewhere far from the actual piece of the Nagapasham. If he takes us there without any second-guessing or trying to manipulate us, we can trust him. If not, we'll know."

Divyans nodded slowly. "It's risky, but it might work. We'll give him a false lead and see how he reacts."

Before they could discuss further, there was a sudden knock on the door—sharp and deliberate. All three friends turned to look, their hearts pounding. Divyans cautiously opened the door, revealing a mysterious figure standing in the doorway.

The man was dressed in traditional white robes, his skin weathered by time, and around his neck hung an ancient talisman—a serpent coiled around a sun. The symbol of the Saap Bhumi Cult.

"Who are you?" Divyans asked, stepping back warily.

The man gave a serene smile and bowed his head slightly. "I am Kalidas, a guardian of the Saap Bhumi cult. I have been sent to guide you and protect you on your journey."

Lakhan raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "And why should we trust you? The serpent cult could be sending anyone to confuse us."

Kalidas chuckled softly. "I understand your doubt, young one. But I come bearing a gift—a symbol of your destiny." He reached into his robes and pulled out four bracelets, each adorned with a small serpent emblem, intricately carved and glowing faintly in the dim light.

Divyans took one of the bracelets and examined it closely. "What are these?"

Kalidas stepped forward, his eyes glinting with wisdom. "These are not just bracelets. They are ancient protective charms, crafted by the elders of the Saap Bhumi cult. They will help you resist the influence of the serpent cult, and they will guide you on your path."

Lakhan, still suspicious, crossed his arms. "Why now? Why are you only appearing now, when we're about to leave for the desert and the jungle?"

Kalidas smiled again, this time with a tinge of sadness. "Because the time is now ripe. The pieces of the Nagapasham are awakening, and the serpent cult is closing in faster than you realize. The bracelets will protect you from their dark magic and manipulation. But be warned—the cult is powerful, and these will not save you entirely. They are tools, not shields."

Roshni stepped forward, cautiously taking her bracelet. "What do you want from us in return?"

Kalidas looked at her with a calm, steady gaze. "Nothing. The Saap Bhumi cult exists only to stop the rise of the serpent cult. We ask for nothing but your success. Your victory is our victory."

Divyans glanced at his friends. "We'll take the bracelets. But know this—if this is some kind of trap, we'll fight back."

Kalidas bowed again. "I expect nothing less from the chosen ones." He turned to leave, but before exiting, he looked back one last time. "Trust your instincts, Divyans. And trust in your friends."

The door closed softly behind him, leaving the room in silence.

Lakhan exhaled deeply, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist. "Well, that was... unexpected."

Roshni nodded, her eyes lingering on the bracelet's glowing serpent emblem. "What do you think? Can we trust him?"

Divyans studied the bracelet on his wrist. "I don't know. But if these bracelets can protect us, we'll need every bit of help we can get."

Just then, the door opened again, and Vikram entered the room. His eyes fell immediately on the bracelets. "I see you've been visited by the Saap Bhumi guardian."

Lakhan nodded slowly, still watching Vikram's every move. "Yeah, seems like he wants to help us too."

Vikram's expression was unreadable as he looked at them. "You'll need all the help you can get. The serpent cult's reach is vast, and they'll stop at nothing to stop you."

Lakhan decided it was time. He stepped forward, staring directly into Vikram's eyes. "Before we leave, there's something we need to make clear. We've decided on our next destination. We'll be heading to the **Taklamakan Desert** in China. It's one of the driest and deadliest deserts in the world. We believe one of the pieces of the Nagapasham is hidden there."

Vikram's face remained impassive, though a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "The Taklamakan Desert?" he repeated.

Divyans and Roshni exchanged glances, their eyes on Vikram, waiting for any sign of hesitation or doubt.

Lakhan nodded. "That's right. We'll split into two groups—one heading to the Taklamakan and the other to the Amazon. But we need you to guide us through the desert."

There was a pause, just long enough for everyone to feel the tension build. Then Vikram smiled. "Very well. I'll make the arrangements."

Lakhan narrowed his eyes, watching for any signs of deception. But Vikram's demeanor remained calm and professional. "I'll have everything ready by morning," Vikram continued. "You'll have the best equipment and the safest route through the desert."

Lakhan felt a wave of relief but still kept his guard up. "We'll see," he muttered.

As the group prepared to leave, the air was thick with uncertainty. Could they really trust Vikram? And what did the Saap Bhumi cult truly want?

But one thing was clear—the clock was ticking, and their journey into the unknown was about to begin.

With the weight of the world on their shoulders, Divyans, Lakhan, Roshni, and Vikram stepped into the unknown, their paths guided by ancient forces and unseen enemies.

The race for the Nagapasham had only just begun.